Batsmen Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle return to the West Indies Test squad to face Zimbabwe.

The West Indies have had a huge boost ahead of their first Test against Zimbabwe in Barbados, with the return of experienced batsmen Marlon Samuels and Chris Gayle.

Samuels is welcomed back to the side after almost two months out with a facial injury, which he suffered in Australia’s Big Bash League.

The batsman was recently presented with the ESPN Cricinfo award for Twenty20 batting for his performance with the blade at the Twenty20 World Cup. His return will be a real boost to the West Indies top order.

Gayle is returning after asking to take a short break in the build-up to the Test series against Zimbabwe. The powerful batsman missed the short overs leg of the Zimbabwean visit and captain Darren Sammy will be hoping his big-hitter will be coming back fresh to the side.

However there is no place in the team for veteran batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan, despite his 120 not-out in the second one day international against Zimbabwe on 24 February.

Sammy has said that his side have the upper-hand going in to the upcoming Test series.

“We’re ready, our preparations have been spot on,” the captain said on ESPN.

“We have been very professional and disciplined in all that we have done so far.

“Everyone should be settled and ready to take on the Zimbabweans.”

The first Test in Barbados between the sides starts at 2pm GMT this afternoon.